Why Travelers Might Want To Avoid This Popular Attraction In Indonesia

Some countries never cease to captivate travelers: Indonesia is no doubt one of those places. Part of the reason is due to the 17,000+ islands that make up the country. Here, you can enjoy almost everything, from the exhilarating nightlife of Jakarta (the national capital) to the tranquil temples of Bali. As if that's not enough, Indonesia also boasts unfiltered rainforests and several world-class diving spots. It goes without saying that this country is an exciting destination for tourists who want to witness a rich culture amidst staggering natural beauty. 

Among some of the most interesting places you can visit in Indonesia is Komodo National Park, which is famous for being home to the largest lizards in the world (Komodo dragons). Apart from its wildlife amusement, the park also promises a pristine natural atmosphere in the form of rugged islands, scenic hikes, and coral reefs. Padar Island is one of the unique islands — and in fact one of the most photographed — within the Komodo National Park. It's a popular spot for many reasons, including the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views from the hilltops. Perhaps the best highlight of Padar Island is its three distinct beaches, each sporting different colors of sand: pink, white, and black.

However, as with many popular destinations in the world, sometimes, overtourism sets in, ruining the peaceful, natural experience that draws the teeming visitors in the first place. This is the case for Padar Island — and it's a worthy reason why anyone might want to avoid visiting.

There's no gainsaying that Padar Island offers plenty of rewarding experiences for tourists, ranging from its iconic beauty to its prehistoric topography and photogenic viewpoints. While many travelers may be quick to feed their Instagram followers with scintillating photos from their visit, they won't show you the long line of people making the climb at the same time. To get the best views, everyone plans to make it to the top at sunrise, leading to a traffic jam on a trail that involves climbing about 1,000 wooden steps. Not to mention, many tourists are probably not even aware they have to climb that high.

Consequently, you can imagine how chaotic the situation would be. You may find yourself in a competition you didn't sign up for, as you try to vie for space or wait for your turn to take the perfect shot. At the end of the day, you might come to realize that avoiding Padar Island altogether might be the best plan, especially if you're looking for peace and solitude.

The problem isn't limited to your own inconvenience. The surrounding ecosystem is also becoming overly pressured due to the heavy foot traffic. This has even led to official considerations to limit visitors at the Komodo National Park. Although this measure hasn't been enforced yet, it certainly proves that overcrowding from tourists is causing environmental harm to these places.

Staying away from Padar Island might just be the most considerate thing to do, yet this doesn't have to mean missing out on all the fun and stunning moments. There are other places you can still check out around Komodo National Park — just remember to be environmentally conscious. Nearby, Rinca Island gives you similarly amazing landscapes, in addition to a chance to see Komodo dragons up close and with fewer crowds. You could also go to Pink Beach, with its unusual rosy sand and the opportunity for snorkeling in its clear waters awaiting.

In case Padar Island is by all means among the top destinations you have on your bucket list, then you need to be strategic with your timing. Since the sunrise and sunset periods are known to attract the most people, it's only wise to avoid them. Instead, target mid-morning or late afternoon for a less crowded and less frustrating experience. Even though you might not get the same kinds of photos you would during sunset or sunrise, you'll definitely still have incredible shots — the beauty of the landscape and the environment is intrinsic. For a more flexible and calmer exploration, you could also opt for a liveaboard cruise experience.